Test Valley Borough Council Spring 2021 | Issue 80 Test Valley News New extra care homes for Romsey 2 Pushing forward with climate change 3 In this issue... Curtains up for vaccination centres 5 Tackling fly-tipping across the borough 8 GANGER FARM TO OPEN UP RIVERSIDE PARK NEARS COMPLETION A fantastic new multi-million-pound sports and leisure A new footpath and cycleway has been complex in Romsey is set to open its doors this summer. designed to gently wind between the north and south of the park and circular Ganger Farm sports facilities, based at Final inspections of the artificial pitches seating areas have been positioned to the King’s Chase housing development, are currently underway, and sports carefully interject into the pathway to will soon be passed over to Test Valley clubs from around the area have encourage fluid travel through the area. already registered their interest and Borough Council by Barrett David The development marks the start of excitement to start using the facility. Wilson Homes. the overall transformation of Andover The grass pitches have already been town centre, following the launch of The council first identified the need for inspected by the Grounds Maintenance the town centre masterplan which the site in the Local Plan more than Authority and were commended for Andover residents can ten years ago. Following a planning their high quality. was presented to the public last application for 275 houses on the look forward to their new year. The redevelopment of the area Riverside Park opening surrounding Town Mills is a joint former fruit farm, the council secured Community and leisure portfolio project between Test Valley Borough the provision of state-of-the-art holder, councillor Ian Jeffrey, said: soon as the Town Mills community sports facilities through a redevelopment enters the Council, Hampshire County Council Section 106 agreement. “These are superb facilities that final stages of work. and Andover Vision and has received have has been many years in more than half a million pounds in The complex comprises of six grass the planning. Last month saw 11 new trees planted in funding from the EM3 Local Enterprise pitches for adult rugby and football and “Work has already taken place the town centre park, each possessing Partnership (LEP). junior football, as well as two floodlit with the various sports clubs who I a different quality and providing all-weather pitches for hockey, rugby know are just as excited as I am to beautiful blooms during all seasons. and football. There is a two-storey see the facilities in action. While we The trees will add height and depth pavilion with bar and café space, would like to have an exact date for to the space, whilst offering plenty of kitchen and balconies overlooking the the opening the current pandemic shady spots in the summer months and pitches as well as an exercise and has meant that there have been the new greenery will bring an air of dance studio. The site also includes some delays, but we’re working peace and tranquillity to the centre a large community space, conference hard to open the doors for a much of Andover. room and multiple changing rooms. needed summer of sport.” The idea to transform the Town Mills area first came to light in 2017, when a desire to improve the route through the centre of Andover and showcase the river identified Town Mills as a key location that could be developed to achieve this. The area has historically Leader of Test Valley Borough been a place where people have Council, Councillor Phil North, said: stopped to view the river, though restricted space has made it difficult “After a difficult year, we’re for pedestrians to pass by. now incredibly close to seeing this project reach completion. The new Riverside Park will have Everyone has been working so dedicated stopping places and a hard to develop the area and number of new benches have been create something truly special for installed. The development of a section Andover. With spring just around of the car park outside Town Mills will the corner and the roadmap for the also help to widen the green space that lifting of restrictions announced, will soon be available to the public. it will be a perfect time for us all to Sports teams, clubs and potential hirers of the venue can contact the The park will offer a relaxing spot make the most of the new park and borough council by emailing [email protected] for for people to play, picnic and enjoy really embrace all that Andover information or questions about the site. the river. has to offer.” Test Valley Borough Council T 01264 368000 E [email protected] W www.testvalley.gov.uk • All about Romsey • All about Romsey • All about Romsey • All about Romsey • NEW EXTRA CARE HOMES UpdatING THE VISION TO OPEN THIS SUMMER FOR ROMSEY New homes for older Test Valley Borough Council’s portfolio people in Romsey are holder for housing and environmental health, councillor Phil Bundy, said: nearing completion “We’re delighted to be working following a partnership with the development team on between Hampshire Nightingale Lodge. This ambitious County Council (HCC), project will bring a high standard Test Valley Borough of homes to Romsey and will help us establish a great community and Council (TVBC) and ultimately be a great asset for the Places for People. town. We are pleased that many of Nightingale Lodge, based on the the apartments will be offered as corner of Winchester Road and affordable rented homes making Cupernham Lane, is due to open them accessible to a wider range this summer and offers extra care of customers.” accommodation and 24-hour care Hampshire County Council’s and support on site. The development Executive Member for Adult Social The Romsey Future Chair of Romsey Future, councillor is aimed at people who have either Care and Health, councillor Liz Nick Adams-King, said: “It probably existing care or support needs, Fairhurst, said: “Nightingale Lodge Partnership is calling only seems like yesterday that or who anticipate needing support in will provide high quality new on residents across we were asking residents to get the near future. homes in Romsey for anyone who involved in our latest project, which the town to help set its of course was the masterplan Thirty-seven of the apartments will wants to remain independent, but consultation for the area south of be made available for affordable rent may need extra help and the added priorities and vision for the town centre. and 17 will be available for purchase reassurance of qualified staff on the years ahead. through a shared ownership scheme. hand 24/7. This is all about offering “That’s because Romsey Future people choices rather than a ‘one Back in 2014, the partnership set up a is an organisation that very much Anyone interested in securing size fits all’ approach to care.” list of ambitions for the next few years. represents its community and for the affordable rented apartments us to be able to do that, we need can make enquiries to Test Valley Andy Lomas of Places for People Now, having delivered a number of your input. The masterplan was Borough Council (01264 368000), said: “We are delighted to be initiatives and having contributed to an just one of the projects we have or find more information about extra launching this fantastic new exciting masterplan for the area south been working on but is also a great care housing on the TVBC website. community for the people of of the town centre, the partnership example of what can be achieved Applications should be made via Romsey. We are passionate about needs the help of its communities creating well-designed homes when we come together. Hampshire Home Choice - once more. www.hampshirehomechoice.org.uk which are available through either “Our other schemes include sale or rent. Living Plus has a great A survey has been launched asking Christmas funding for security Extra care housing provides an track record of establishing similar residents, and those who use the around the town, more bicycle ideal solution for those who wish to communities across the country town but who may live elsewhere, racks and mapping out how continue living independently but need where we aim to create a balance of to tell them what their priorities and residents can walk and cycle to some form of care and support which independent living, great amenities access the town easily. However, can be tailored to suit their needs. aspirations are for Romsey. and social activities – but with what we want to know is what the In addition to the apartments, added facilities that give peace This will help the partnership to shape quality of your daily life is like in Nightingale Lodge offers a variety of of mind. its vision and focus on what the town Romsey, and, looking forward, facilities for residents as well as the “Extra care apartments are ideal needs over the next few years. how we can make it even better. local community. These include a It might be that you’d like more for those who wish to remain Romsey Future is a partnership wellness suite, hair and beauty salon, access to green space or have an independent, with their own which includes stakeholders such as a restaurant and landscaped gardens. front door and privacy, yet with idea completely out of the blue. community groups, volunteers and the knowledge that they can be The point is, we want to hear it.